We are counting down the Top 50 hot rods and street cars of all time that have made an appearance in a television series, or a memorable television episode. Starting from No. 50, and counting down to our No. 1 pick, follow along with our memories, and see where your favorite show lands.
43. Mob City: 1946 Oldsmobile 66 Special Club Coupe
We jump from countdown No. 44 of “Magic City” to another mob-centered show, “Mob City.” It may have only aired six episodes on TNT in 2013, but the period automobiles featured in this event series made the show memorable as much as it was shocking due to the volatile plots that often resulted in death.
Created as a three-week television event, it was based off the book L.A. Noir: The Struggle for the Soul of America’s Most Seductive City by John Buntin. The short-lived, six-hour mini drama is somewhat biographical in that it reflects historical events noted in the book between the corrupt Los Angeles Police Department’s chief William Parker (Neal McDonough) and its ongoing conflict between well-known gangsters and mafia leaders Mickey Cohen (Jeremy Luke) and Bugsy Siegel (Edward Burns) in the 1940s and ‘50s.
As with previous period television series, the vintage automobiles are as much stars as the people who drive them on television. For this spot on the countdown, we selected a baby blue 1946 Oldsmobile 66 Special Club Coupe that appeared in episode two, often as a bystander to gun fights and shootouts.
Styling of the Special Sixty, Dynamic Seventy, and Custom Cruiser 90 series cars were wider, lower and longer, and incorporated lengthened fuselage front fenders and headlights that were placed far out to the sides. Beginning in 1946, Oldsmobiles were easily identifiable due to a four-bar grille that turned down and meet with the one-piece front bumpers, and subtle trims. The straight six, 238 cubic inch Special Sixty was cast from an iron block and was capable of 100 horsepower at 3,400 rpm.
It rode on a 119-inch wheelbase and was available in a four models, including a fastbacks club coupes with two- or four-doors, a notchback four-door sedan, convertible, or station wagon with a wood panel sides. Interior amenities included dual sun visors, cigarette lighters, and cloth upholstery as standard.